Miss South Africa 2024 finalist, Chidimma Adetshina, has withdrawn from the beauty pageant following widespread backlash on social media. 

Adetshina, who has Nigerian and Mozambique/South African heritage, faced significant criticism from South Africans who opposed her participation due to her Nigerian origins.

Despite being born to a Nigerian father and a Mozambique/South African mother, the backlash continued, leading to a petition demanding her removal from the competition.

After thousands signed the petition, Adetshina announced her withdrawal.

In a statement on her Instagram page, the 23-year-old beauty queen expressed gratitude for the support she received from fans but cited concerns for her and her family’s safety as the primary reason for her decision. 

She noted that withdrawing was difficult but necessary to protect her family’s well-being.

Adetshina also reflected positively on her pageant experience and wished her fellow contestants success in the competition.

See her press statement below: